Five Talking Points From Super Falcons Win Vs Cameroon : Injury Worries; Game-Changers Needed; Excellent Defensive Unit

Izuchukwu Okosi looks at the talking points from Nigeria's hard earned victory.

1. Nigeria Struggled With Cameroon's Physicality

Initially the Super Falcons marched the Indomitable Lionesses' physically in the first half but as the game dragged on, the superior strength of the central Africans showed.

Their staying power affected the game (in Cameroon's  favour) and compensated for the better technical quality of the Nigerian players.


2. The Falcons Defended Together

Cameroon enjoyed large spells in the game thus forcing the Falcons to defend deeply and hope for the fast breaks.

It was deeply satisfying to see Asisat Oshoala and Desire Oparanozie get back to help keep out the threats of the Indomitable Lionesses.


3. Injury Worries For Falcons

Head coach Thomas Dennerby will be praying and hoping that he has the full compliments of his team fit for Saturday's final.

Rita Chikwelu, Desire Oparanozie, Osinachi Ohale and Josephine Chukwunonye are key members of his team and the trio picked one knock or the other in Tuesday's grudge match.

Add to the absence of Faith Ikidi and it will be worrying if any of these players fail to play a part in Saturday's final. The Super Falcons need all of its players to be fit as fiddle for the AWCON final.


4. Nigerian Fans Played Their Part

As expected the Nigerian community living in Accra came out in their large numbers to support their national team.

The fans' presence was key and hopefully it should be so on Saturday.


5. The Super Falcons Need To Work On Dead balls

The Super Falcons do not have expert free kick takers, game changers whose moments of brilliance can unlock a difficult situation.

That is something the coach must work on.

Their free kick efforts go horribly wide off targets. A player who is dangerous at such situations, who can score once or twice from five free kick attempts can be the difference between victories and defeats.